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Russia Rejects Trump's Claim of Control Over Venezuelan Oil

Published January 13, 2026, 12:12
Russia Rejects Trump's Claim of Control Over Venezuelan Oil

Russia has refuted claims made by Donald Trump regarding control of Russian oil assets in Venezuela. The Russian company Roszarubezhneft stated that all its assets in Venezuela belong to Russia and it will continue to operate there, despite US sanctions and attempts by the United States to gain control of the country's oil reserves. Roszarubezhneft was established in 2020 and acquired assets from Rosneft after the US imposed sanctions on the latter for trading Venezuelan oil. The company assured that it will honor its commitments to its international partners in Venezuela, in accordance with Russian and international law. Trump has openly expressed his desire to bring Venezuela's vast oil reserves under US control, following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. The US has also seized a Russian oil tanker with ties to Venezuela. Despite the US operation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not publicly commented on the situation. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry has called on Trump to release Maduro and pursue dialogue. Russia traditionally maintains close ties with Venezuela, including energy cooperation, military links, and political contacts.